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Titanium Speeds and Feeds

Guide · Updated October 28, 2026

Titanium is strong, light and a poor conductor of heat, so the heat stays in the cutting edge instead of leaving with the chip. The rules are simple: low surface speed, a real chip load, sharp tools, lots of coolant, and never let the tool rub.

Check the finished size

Titanium parts tend to be expensive and tight-tolerance. Verify your mic against gage blocks before the finish pass. The free Gage Block Calculator builds the stack.

Step by step

Identify the grade: Commercially pure grades 1–4 are gummy but softer; Ti-6Al-4V (grade 5) is the common aerospace alloy and needs lower speeds.
Pick a starting SFM: Ti-6Al-4V: about 100–200 SFM with carbide and 30–50 SFM with HSS. CP titanium can run roughly 20–30% faster.
Use a real chip load: Feed so the tool always cuts; rubbing work-hardens the surface and burns the edge.
Limit radial engagement: For roughing, a light radial step (around 10% of diameter) with full flute depth keeps heat down.
Flood the cut: Use high-volume coolant aimed at the edge; through-tool coolant is better when available.
Keep tools sharp: Swap edges early; a worn edge in titanium fails fast and can smear the part.
Rigid setup: Titanium is springy; short tool stickout and a solid hold reduce chatter.

Worked example

Profiling Ti-6Al-4V with a 1/2 in 4-flute carbide end mill at 150 SFM: RPM = 3.82 × 150 ÷ 0.500 = 1,146 RPM. At 0.0015 in per tooth, feed = 1,146 × 4 × 0.0015 = 6.9 IPM. Run full flute length at about 0.050 in radial step for roughing, then a 0.005–0.010 in finish pass at the same chip load.

Why titanium burns tools

Titanium conducts heat poorly and reacts with tool material at high temperature. The heat concentrates at the edge, so speed (SFM) is what kills tools. Feed per tooth matters less for life and more for avoiding rubbing.

Common problems

Built-up edge or smeared chips mean too much heat or a dull tool. Chatter means too much stickout or too little chip load. A shiny, hard surface that resists the next pass is work hardening from rubbing.

Tips

Compare: stainless speeds and feeds behave similarly.
Tools: carbide end mill basics.
Coolant: cutting fluid basics.

FAQ

What SFM for titanium with carbide?

About 100–200 SFM for Ti-6Al-4V as a starting point.

Can you cut titanium dry?

It is not recommended; heat builds quickly. Use flood or through-tool coolant.

Are titanium chips a fire risk?

Fine chips and dust can ignite; keep coolant on and clear chips regularly.

Why did my tool fail suddenly?

Usually excess SFM or rubbing; lower speed and keep a positive chip load.

Is CP titanium easier?

It is softer and can run faster but tends to be gummy.

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